Warriors vs. Lakers: NBA Prediction, Picks and Prop Bets (Oct. 21)

Lakers vs. Warriors Top Bets at a Glance

• Los Angeles Lakers -6.5 (-114)
• Luka Dončić Over 32.5 Points (-112)

In some ways, the Luka Doncic era in LA truly starts tonight as the post-LeBron Lakers host the Warriors at 10 p.m. ET.

Both sides have undergone some changes this past offseason, and FanDuel Sportsbook’s NBA odds have the Lakers as a 6.5-point favorite (as of this afternoon).

In the season opener for both, which bets stand out for today’s Warriors-Lakers matchup?

Please note lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. Bets in this article may be pulled from our other NBA content.

Lakers vs. Warriors NBA Picks, Props and Prediction

Los Angeles Lakers -6.5 (-114)

I'm willing to back the Los Angeles Lakers against a Golden State Warriors team entering opening night with some significant personnel concerns.

Golden State will be without Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Kristaps Porzingis, while Stephen Curry is listed as probable because of an ankle issue. Podziemski averaged 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while appearing in all 82 games last season, so his absence takes another dependable ball-handler and scorer out of an already depleted rotation.

Los Angeles, meanwhile, won 53 games last season and went 28-13 at home. The Lakers also won three of four regular-season meetings with Golden State, including victories by 4, 28, and 16 points.

Golden State did beat Los Angeles twice during the preseason, but I'm not putting much weight on those results with rotations and minutes looking much different once the regular season begins.

With the Warriors missing several rotation pieces and Los Angeles possessing the best player in the matchup, I like the Lakers to cover at home.

Luka Dončić Over 32.5 Points (-112)

This is a lofty scoring line, but Luka Doncic‘s expected workload justifies targeting the over.

Dončić led the NBA with 33.5 points per game last season while also averaging 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds. With LeBron James no longer in Los Angeles, this offense belongs even more completely to Dončić, and there shouldn't be much concern about shot volume on opening night.

He also closed last season in excellent scoring form, clearing 32.5 points in 7 of his final 10 games.

The Warriors' absences only make the matchup more attractive. Butler and Moody would normally provide Golden State with additional perimeter size and defensive options against Dončić, but neither will be available.

With Los Angeles likely to put the ball in Dončić's hands on nearly every important possession, Luka can start his campaign with a scoring outburst.

What are the best NBA player props for tonight?

NBA Betting Frequently Asked Questions

What is the point spread in NBA betting?

The point spread is a handicap applied to the favored team to level the playing field. For example, if the Lakers are -6.5 against the Celtics, the Lakers must win by 7 or more points for a bet on them to pay out. A bet on the Celtics wins if Boston wins outright or loses by 6 points or fewer.

What does the moneyline mean in NBA betting?

A moneyline bet is a straight-up wager on which team wins — no spread involved. Odds use American format: a favorite is listed with a minus sign (e.g., -180), meaning a wager of $180 would win $100. An underdog carries a plus sign (e.g., +155), meaning a $100 bet would return $155 profit.

What is an over/under (total) bet in the NBA?

FanDuel will set a projected combined score for both teams. You bet whether the actual total points will go Over or Under that number. For example, if the total is 224.5, an Over bet wins if both teams combine for 225 or more points.

What are NBA player props?

Player prop bets focus on individual statistical performances rather than game outcomes. Common NBA props include points scored, rebounds, assists, three-pointers made, steals, and combined stat lines (e.g., Points + Rebounds + Assists). You bet whether the player goes Over or Under the sportsbook's posted line.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.